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History of Zuppardi's Apizza 90th anniversary celebration: A 90-Year Legacy of Love, Family, and Pizza
As the sun rose over West Haven, Connecticut, a sense of anticipation filled the air. Families, friends, and community members gathered to celebrate a milestone few achieve: Zuppardi's Apizza's 90th anniversary. This beloved pizzeria is more than a restaurant; it's a testament to the enduring power of family, tradition, and community.
The Origins of Zuppardi's Apizza a Legacy of New Haven-style pizza in West Haven
The story of Zuppardi's Apizza begins over 90 years ago in New Haven, Connecticut. Dominic Zuppardi, an Italian immigrant, arrived in America with a dream and a passion for baking. Trained as a master bread-baker on the Amalfi Coast, Dominic opened Salerno’s Bakery in 1932. By 1934, he moved his business to Union Avenue in West Haven, where it would grow into the legendary Zuppardi's Apizza we know today.
Dominic’s son, Anthony, took over the business in the late 1940s after his father suffered a stroke. Anthony, a Navy cook during World War II, decided to shift the bakery’s focus to pizza, a move that would cement the family's place in culinary history. By 1947, Salerno’s Bakery was renamed Zuppardi's Apizza, and a new era began.
The Pizza Community Celebration
The 90th anniversary celebration was a fitting tribute to the Zuppardi family's dedication and hard work. Craig from Big Boy Entertainment kicked off the festivities, setting a joyful tone that resonated with everyone present. Colin Caplan, a close friend of the family, entrepreneur, and historian, shared heartfelt stories of his personal connections with Zuppardi's, emphasizing the pizzeria’s integral role in local life.
Father Jose Marcado from St. John Vianney blessed the event, highlighting the spiritual and communal significance of Zuppardi's. His words underscored how the pizzeria has been a place of joy, celebration, and family gatherings for decades.
Proclamations and Honors
Mayor Dorinda Borer presented a proclamation from the City of West Haven, recognizing the Zuppardi family's immense contributions to the community. She recounted her own childhood memories of trick-or-treating and receiving pizza from Anthony Zuppardi, a tradition that left a lasting impression on her and many others.
State representatives and officials, including State Representative Bill Heon and State Senator James Maroney, offered their congratulations and gratitude. Even Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz sent her regards, acknowledging the pizzeria’s role in promoting Connecticut’s culinary heritage.
Zuppardi Family at the Heart
Cheryl and Lori Zuppardi, granddaughters of founder Dominic, have been the heart and soul of Zuppardi's for many years. Cheryl, who learned to make pizza from her father at the age of 10, has worn many hats, from manager to bookkeeper to resident baker. Lori has expanded the business’s reach with innovative shipping solutions, ensuring that Zuppardi’s pizza can be enjoyed nationwide.
Their children, the fourth generation, and now the fifth generation, represented by Kennedy, Anthony Jr., Sebastian, Amelia, Anderson, and Austin, continue the family tradition. Each member plays a crucial role in maintaining the high standards set by their forebears, from running the pizza truck to managing the frozen pizza business.
A Rich History and Bright Future
The history of Zuppardi's is rich with memories and milestones. From its humble beginnings during the Great Depression to becoming a cornerstone of the New Haven pizza scene, Zuppardi's has always been about more than just pizza. It's about family, community, and a shared love for good food.
Over the years, Zuppardi's has received numerous accolades, being featured on major TV networks and recognized as the best pizza in Connecticut. Their menu has evolved to include modern favorites while staying true to the traditional recipes that made them famous. Customer favorites like the Fresh Clam pizza and the Spicy Shrimp Casino continue to delight and impress.
My own Personal Story: A Connection Through Generations
As a kid, my grandmother used to drag us all the way from Fairfield just to get a taste of Zuppardi's famous sausage Apizza. We would wait for hours in line, but it was always worth it! Nothing has changed since then, except for the addition of the Apizza Truck. Zuppardi's still owns the street and continues to serve the best pizza west of New Haven. In my own opinion, it's even better than the other top 3 pizzerias that always get mentioned. The thin-crust pizza, baked in a coal-fired oven with fresh ingredients and family recipes, is simply delicious. My personal favorite, the Fresh Clam pizza, is a must-try. Zuppardi's take on this New Haven classic is second to none. It's a white pizza prepared with shucked-to-order littleneck clams baked on fresh dough with a mixture of garlic and spices. It's widely considered one of the best clam pizzas in the country. If you're a fan of seafood, make sure to ask to add mozzarella for an extra creamy touch. "For the ultimate Surf & Turf pizza sandwich, try mashing a slice of Handmade Sausage Pizza with a Whole Belly Clam pizza – A Pro Move!!
Zuppardi's Apizza is a true gem that has remained a beloved neighborhood spot for generations, and it's not hard to see why. If you haven't tried it yet, you're missing out! This piece of history inspired me as a child to understand the value of traditional and cultural food and finding the best mom-and-pop businesses that carried out traditions. It inspired me to get involved in culinary arts and become a trained chef and passionate foodie. Something as simple as pizza and family traditions has led me to become the owner of BISTRO BUDDY, a food and drink social network that allows all food historians, foodies, and food entrepreneurs a platform to document our traditions from 90 years ago to the new traditions that will be our legacy of food and community all-stars.
As the celebration drew to a close, Lori Zuppardi took the stage, expressing heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported Zuppardi's over the years. Her words captured the essence of what makes Zuppardi's special: a deep commitment to quality, a love for the community, and an unbreakable family bond.
For 90 years, Zuppardi's Apizza has been more than a pizzeria. It’s a living testament to the power of tradition, the importance of family, and the joy of sharing a meal with those you love. Here’s to another 90 years of delicious pizza, cherished memories, and the Zuppardi family’s enduring legacy. Buon appetito!
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